Making your own sandwich bread is a rewarding and delicious experience! Here’s a simple recipe for a soft, fluffy loaf of bread perfect for sandwiches:
Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or molasses (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast and makes sure it’s working properly.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture and the oil (and honey if using) to the flour mixture. Stir until combined. The dough will be a bit sticky at first.
3. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to add too much.
4. First Rise:
- Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil and place the dough inside. Turn the dough to coat it lightly in oil, then cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a loaf. To do this, flatten the dough into a rectangle, fold in the sides, and then roll it up tightly into a log.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.
6. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the loaf pan.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread:
- If desired, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg (for a glossy finish) before baking.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Slice:
- Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the texture to set and prevents it from being too doughy when you cut into it.
Tips:
- If you want a softer crust, you can cover the loaf with a kitchen towel as it cools.
- You can substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
- If you prefer, you can add a tablespoon of dried herbs or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
This homemade sandwich bread is perfect for making classic sandwiches or toasted with butter for a snack! Enjoy your freshly baked loaf!